URGENT! – Page 4 – Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog

Shared Blog Post – Veterinary toxicology alert: Oils used in ‘scent training’ can harm dogs

People that know me have learned that I am a fan of using natural remedies whenever possible; however, I also always tell people that “natural” does not mean something is safe.

One of the natural remedies I have used with myself are essential oils. I have recently started studying their use with animals and in that process have learned that Birch is one of the oils that is not safe for use with pets. That caused me to take notice as I have friends who do canine nosework and it is my understanding that Birch is one of the first scents that they are trained to find. Today I asked some of those friends if they knew why Birch was selected and if they had heard anything about potential issues with Birch, and they had not.

I decided to do some research on Google and found an article on DVM360 from May of 2014 entitled “Veterinary toxicology alert: Oils used in ‘scent training’ can harm dogs.” The lead paragraph of this article states “Michigan State researchers confirm toxicity of birch oil, warn that nontoxic scents may lead pets to food sources with xylitol.”

If you use the essential oil Birch for yourself or other family members and have pets, or if you do canine nosework and use Birch, I would encourage you to read this article. http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/veterinary-toxicology-alert-oils-used-scent-training-can-harm-dogs

The web site http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/ lists the following essential oils as unsafe for use with dogs; Anise, Birch, Camphor, Cassia, Clove leaf and bud, Hissop, Horseradish, Juniper Wood, Mustard, Pennyroyal, Rue, Tansy, White Thyme, Wintergreen, Yarrow, and Wormwood.

Essential oils have many wonderful health properties, but please make sure you talk to your pet’s veterinarian before using them.

Pet Food Recall – Mars Petcare Recalls Cesar Filet Mignon Flavor

October 7, 2016 — Mars Petcare has announced it has initiated a voluntary recall of a limited number of Cesar Filet Mignon Flavor wet dog food due to a potential choking risk from small pieces of plastic which entered the food during the production process.

For details visit the Dog Food Adviser – http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/cesar-dog-food-recall-october-2016/

URGENT! – Health Alert – Pets are twice as likely to get cancer if their owner smokes!

Love your cat? Then you need to know that “Cats are twice as likely to get cancer if their owner smokes” –

FMI – https://www.thetruth.com/articles/videos/catmageddon

And so are dogs!

FMI – https://www.thetruth.com/articles/videos/finishit

URGENT RECALL: – Blue Buffalo Recalls Select Bags of Cat Treats

From the Food and Drug Administration website

Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. is voluntarily recalling a limited production of Blue Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats that may contain low levels of propylene glycol, which is not permitted by the FDA for use in cat food.

Cats reacting to high doses of propylene glycol may exhibit signs of depression and may have a loss of coordination, muscle twitching, and excessive urination and thirst. If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected product was distributed nationwide in the US and Canada through pet specialty stores and e-commerce.

The product is packaged in a 2 oz., plastic stand up pouch. Only these specific code dates of this product are involved:

Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 – Best If Used By: April 24, 2016.
Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 – Best If Used By: July 24, 2016.

No other BLUE pet foods or treats are involved in this recall.

The FDA tested product in response to a single consumer complaint and found propylene glycol in one bag of our cat treats in the impacted lot. To date we have had no other reports of incidents related to our cat treats. Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling all product manufactured in the same lot as the subject bag.

Consumers who have purchased the product being recalled may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at: 888-667-1508 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday and the weekend of November 7, 2015 or by email atBlueBuffalo5883@stericycle.com for more information.

About Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo, based in Wilton, CT, is a pet products company that makes natural foods and treats for pets.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm471748.htm

URGENT – LOST CAT – Loki, Near Dedham, ME

Loki, a 14lbs, grey and black cat, approximately 3 years old, went missing in Dedham on September 12^th.

If found or sited, please contact HomeAgain at 1-888-466-3242. Loki’s microchip# is 985121009598004.

URGENT! – Health Alert – Canine Cough in the Community

There is a strain of canine cough in the community. We’ve talked to veterinarians in the area and they have seen canine cough with several dogs that have been at several kennels in the area. It has also been observed in dogs that have not been at any kennel, at least recently, and as reported, these dogs have not been around other dogs. Canine cough has been seen in several dogs that were current on their Bordetella vaccine which suggests that the vaccination does not offer immunity to this particular strain. While the number of dogs that have shown symptoms and/or have been diagnosed is small compared to those that are symptom and disease free, we want to be sure that you are aware of the situation.

Canine cough or kennel cough is actually a lay term for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). It is highly contagious to other dogs, much like the common cold is with people. It can be transmitted through the air from one dog to the next or by contact with contaminated objects such as a common water dish at the dog park or in front of a dog-friendly store. It is not normally serious, but if you see symptoms in your dog (coughing, gagging, vomiting, or general lethargy) I would recommend that you call your veterinarian.

For More Information on canine cough <click here>

URGENT – LOST DOG – Zeke from Carmel

Zeke, a brown and tan, 56lb, male, Lab/American Bulldog mix went missing on August 22^nd, 2015 near 25 Lovejoy Dr., Carmel ME 04419 off of Route 69. Zeke is approximately 2 years old and has a zig zag pattern down his tail. He can be skittish around new people.

Click http://bit.ly/OfEPYE to help Zeke

If seen or found, please call HomeAgain at 1-888-466-3242

URGENT! – HEALTH ALERT – Don’t Feed Nut Butters to Dogs Without First Checking for Xylitol!

URGENT! – HEALTH ALERT – Don’t Feed Nut Butters to Dogs Without First Checking for Xylitol!
Not until you read the label, and even then – consider all the facts:
Many people think that xylitol is an artificial sweetener, but it’s not, and that’s actually a problem in so far as understanding a label. Due to it being a natural part of fruits and veggies, it might be listed as “natural sweetener“, or “sweetened naturally”
Some nut butters (not just peanut butter) have changed to include xylitol, a natural alcohol sweetener. Xylitol is poisonous to dogs, causing liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar.
Note: Not all natural alcohol sweeteners are a health risk for dogs, but if all the label states is “sugar alcohol” without stating which one, you’ll want to keep it away from dogs.

Thank you to Monica Segal of monicasegal.com for sharing

Paragon Pet Suing Mars Over Mars Claim for Greenies “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew”

The Mars Candy company, owner of Greenies^® as well as the Banfield Pet Hospitals^®, California Natural^®, Catsan^®, Cesar^®, Chappi^®, Dreamies^®, Eukanuba^®, Evo^®, Frolic^®, IAMS^®, Innova^®, KiteKate^®, Nutro^®, Pedigree^®, Perfect Fit^®. Royal Canin^®, Sheba^®, The Goodlife Recipe^®, Whiskas^®, Temptations^®, and Wisdom Panel^® pet brands, is being sued by Paragon Pet Products who owns the Whimzee brand of dental chews. Specifically, Paragon has asked for an injunction that would forbid Mars from making the claim that Greenies is the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” until they can prove that claim. If the claim is false, Paragon is asking that Mars be forced to offer refunds to consumers that were deceived by the allegedly false and misleading advertising statements.

FMI: https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/8723456/Paragon_Pet_Products_Europe_BV_V_Mars,_Inc

Pet Food Recall – Update on Bravo Recall of 23JUL15

As a retailer of Bravo Pet Foods, today Bravo notified us of additional safety protocols they are implementing for their raw diet products. They indicated that “While Bravo raw diets are manufactured and tested following the strictest FDA food safety guidelines, a recall of a Bravo item for any reason is unacceptable.”

Bravo is now subjecting all of their raw food products to high pressure pasteurization (HPP) in addition to their current safety protocols. HPP is not required by the FDA but “…is extra insurance to protect our products from the presence of common pathogens like salmonella, e-coli and listeria.” Bravo has indicated that HPP will have a slight effect on the texture of their products.

Green Acres Kennel Shop is pleased to see that Bravo Pet Foods continues to invest in the food safety technology to protect every pet owner that chooses to feed their pet a raw diet.